Florida

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With hundreds of miles of sandy shoreline to choose from, there's a beach to fit every desire, whether it's snorkeling and sunbathing, a romantic sunset stroll, or a fun-filled family picnic. Powdery-white, laid-back beaches line the state's Gulf side, while the golden Atlantic beaches have more surf, and – especially on southern Florida's best beaches – lively people-watching.

Florida Best Beaches

Bahia Honda State Park

The third-longest coral barrier reef in the world flanks the Florida Keys, and
this relaxed beach park, 12 miles south of Marathon, is a prime spot to take
advantage of it – the park concession runs snorkeling trips and rents
gear and kayaks. Get a sneak preview by swimming among the tropical fish and
soft corals close to the park's shore. Bird-watching, sunset gazing, and
fishing are also popular activities from the narrow stretch of beach. Campsites
and vacation cabins are available, making it an affordable base for a day trip
to Key West, 45 minutes south. For a $2 donation, the on-site Sand and Sea
Nature Center provides a children's activity book (junior ranger badge
included!) about the area.

Caladesi Island State Park

Respected researcher Stephen Leatherman (aka Dr. Beach) named the tranquil
white sands of Caladesi Island as North America's top beach in 2008. Positioned
on an undeveloped barrier island one mile off Florida's west coast (near
Clearwater), it's a nature lover's dream: Look for osprey, armadillos, and
gopher tortoises on the nearby nature trail or along the 3-mile kayak route.
Picnic tables and snack bar are available. A boat is required for access, but
the Caladesi Connection ferry (727-734-5263) from Honeymoon Island is easy to
use and makes frequent trips. Plan ahead; timed tickets only allow for stays on
the island up to 4 hours at a time. The Dolphin Encounter's pricier morning
trip is available from Clearwater to Caladesi and includes 3 hours on shore
(727-442-7433).

Cocoa Beach

This sun-drenched spot is as well known for surfing as it is for its 6 miles of
Atlantic-facing beaches – world surf champion Kelly Slater hails from
here and it's also the site of a massive 24-hour Ron Jon Surf Shop. Still, the
waves aren't too overwhelming, making them good for long boarders (just beware
that lifeguards are only on duty between Easter and Labor Day). It's possible
to see a recently launched space shuttle from the beach, courtesy of nearby
Cape Canaveral. For advanced surfers only: Drive about an hour south to
Sebastian Inlet for the state's most-celebrated breaks. Some of the best
surfing can be had at the stretch of beach that lies between South 13th and
16th streets.

Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave., FL, www.cityofcocoabeach.com

Tags: surfing | best beach

Crandon Park

Two miles of sand spilling into turquoise water and plenty of coconut palms
make Crandon Park's beach a favorite of photographers seeking a Caribbean
stand-in. The Key Biscayne sunbathing spot is also a top choice for families
thanks to its low surf, ample picnic areas, easy parking, and amusement center,
which has a bring-your-own-skates roller rink, splash fountain, and vintage
carousel (the latter is open weekends only). Adjacent to the beach, you'll find
the nature center, which offers ecotours, self-guided trails, and kayak
rentals. Connoisseurs of sandy shores can double their pleasure on Key Biscayne
with a stop at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, a beautiful natural setting
with sea grass-covered dunes and a white, sandy stretch that is frequently
ranked among the country's top beaches.

Fort De Soto Park

Making frequent appearances in guides to the country's top beaches, Fort De
Soto boasts soft, white sand; calm, swimmable waters; and the frequent sight of
dolphins frolicking offshore. An overstuffed amenities roster includes walking
and canoe trails, camping, showers, picnic areas, fishing, and a fenced
playground for dogs, but, as part of the largest park in the county system
(1,136 acres are spread out across five interconnected islands), there's still
ample room to spread out. Mullet Key is the site of the park's namesake fort
remnants, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Hollywood Beach

A 2.5-mile, car-free promenade lines the sands of this must-see beach, creating
a family-friendly zone of shops and open-air cafes unlike anything else in the
state. Bike and roller blade rentals keep the boardwalk humming, and the
lifeguard-patrolled beach is good for swimming. Cultural festivals spring up on
weekends throughout the year around the sand-side Hollywood Beach Theatre,
which hosts free concerts. There's also a tot-friendly park with a mini
climbing wall and splash fountain at Surf Road and Connecticut Street.

Lovers Key State Park

Once only accessible via boat, it was said that this remote barrier island
beach was an escape for lovers. Although a boardwalk and tram now provide
access to the 2-mile stretch of white sand, it's still a quiet place to stroll,
sunbathe, picnic, and collect seashells. West Indian manatees, dolphins, marsh
rabbits, and bald eagles are often spotted around its shores and mangrove
forests. The park closes after allowing visitors to take in sunset, typically a
spectacular sight.

Panama City Beach

With its 27-mile stretch of bright, sugary-white sand spilling into the emerald
Gulf of Mexico and reputation as an affordable destination, Panama City Beach
woos spring breakers and families alike. Locating sailing and fishing charters,
parasailing, or jet ski rentals barely requires moving from the sand. At the
east end of the beach, 1,260-acre St. Andrews State Park provides a natural
diversion with good snorkeling, walking trails, and 1.5 miles of unspoiled
sands on the Gulf and Grand Lagoon.

Front Beach Rd., FL, 800-722-3224, www.visitpanamacitybeach.com

Tags: family | snorkeling | best beach

South Beach

With its backdrop of sherbet-colored Art Deco architecture and popularity with
the model set, the wide stretch of sand at Miami Beach's southern end is a
giant piece of eye candy; and the abundant outdoor cafes alongside the beach
make it easy to indulge all day. Whimsical, brightly painted lifeguard stands
dot the beach, as postcard-worthy as the international mix of sunbathers. At
12th Street, a well-toned gay crowd sets up camp near the volleyball courts.
For picnic tables and views of the cruise ships heading in and out of port,
head to South Pointe Park, the beach's southernmost tip. A 2009 makeover added
lounge-worthy grass, ample seating, and landscaped paths to South Pointe Park
at the beach's southernmost tip, creating a grand perch for watching locals and
the cruise ships heading in and out of port.

St. George Island State Park

The park's 9 miles of undeveloped white-sand beach hug the eastern shoreline of
this barrier island, accessible via a 4-mile-long bridge from Eastpoint,
Florida. Low-key pursuits like combing for seashells, fishing, sunbathing, and
watching migratory birds top the list of things to do. A series of trails and
boardwalks traverse the surrounding salt marshes, dunes, and oak forests, which
provide shelter for raccoons and diamondback terrapins. Six picnic shelters
with grills and 60 full-service campsites are also available.